The irresistible combo of chocolate, peanut butter, and gooey marshmallow layers creates the ultimate brownie experience. These Layered Chocolate Marshmallow Peanut Butter Brownies strike the perfect balance of chewy, fudgy, and creamy, all packed into one indulgent bite.
Whether you’re baking for a party, a potluck, or a quiet evening treat, these brownies are guaranteed to steal the show. Each layer brings something special: rich chocolate base, smooth peanut butter spread, and a dreamy marshmallow-chocolate frosting to top it all off. Once chilled and sliced, these bars become pure heaven in dessert form.
Full Recipe:
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1 1/2 cups butter, divided
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3/4 cup baking cocoa, divided
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4 large eggs, room temperature
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2 cups sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 jar (16.3 ounces) chunky peanut butter
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1/3 cup 2% milk
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10 large marshmallows
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2 cups confectioners’ sugar
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 15x10x1-inch baking pan.
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In a small saucepan, melt 1 cup butter and stir in 1/2 cup cocoa until smooth. Remove from heat.
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In a large bowl, beat eggs, sugar, and vanilla until blended.
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Combine flour and salt, then gradually add to the egg mixture. Beat in the cocoa mixture until well combined.
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Spread batter into the prepared pan and bake for 18–22 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 3–4 minutes.
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In the microwave, soften chunky peanut butter for about 30 seconds. Stir and spread over the warm brownies. Chill for 45 minutes until set.
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In a heavy saucepan, combine milk, remaining 1/4 cup cocoa, remaining 1/2 cup butter, and marshmallows. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth.
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Remove from heat and stir in confectioners’ sugar gradually until smooth. Spread this marshmallow-chocolate frosting over the peanut butter layer.
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Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before slicing into squares.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (including chilling)
Kcal: 189 kcal per brownie | Servings: 48 brownies
A Decadent Delight: Layered Chocolate Marshmallow Peanut Butter Brownies
Few desserts strike the perfect balance between nostalgic comfort and indulgent extravagance quite like a brownie. But when you layer rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and fluffy marshmallow into a single decadent bite, you elevate the humble brownie into something unforgettable. The Layered Chocolate Marshmallow Peanut Butter Brownies do just that—offering a triple-threat flavor profile that leaves an impact long after the last crumb disappears.
The Origin and Legacy of This Recipe
This particular brownie recipe isn’t just a kitchen experiment—it’s a community favorite that’s been passed around potlucks, family reunions, and bake sales with rave reviews. It originates from a home baker, Judy Sims of Weatherford, Texas, who took a traditional brownie base and enhanced it with layers of texture and flavor. The real genius lies in the added chunky peanut butter layer—a personal touch from Judy that turns a good brownie into a showstopper. This dish quickly gained popularity among family and friends, earning its place as a crowd-pleasing classic.
Why This Brownie Is So Special
What sets this recipe apart is its beautifully tiered flavor structure. Each component contributes to a unique eating experience:
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The bottom layer is a dense, fudgy chocolate brownie base—sweet, moist, and slightly chewy.
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Above that rests a generous coating of chunky peanut butter, offering a nutty creaminess with a satisfying crunch.
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Finally, a smooth, glossy marshmallow-chocolate frosting tops everything off, bringing sweetness, silkiness, and a nostalgic “campfire s’mores” vibe.
These brownies are more than just a dessert—they’re a celebration of contrasts. The earthiness of peanuts tempers the sweetness of marshmallow; the rich cocoa provides a grounding base, and the layered presentation is as visually impressive as it is flavorful.
Texture and Flavor: A Perfect Trio
The star element of these brownies isn’t just flavor—it’s texture. The dense brownie base provides a chewy foundation. As your teeth sink in, you’re met with the creaminess of slightly melted peanut butter and the fluffy smoothness of marshmallow-chocolate frosting. It’s soft, rich, and a little gooey, yet holds together well enough to be cut cleanly into neat squares.
This dessert is also layered with emotional textures: it evokes memories of holiday baking with family, childhood treats, and carefree indulgence. It’s comfort food that feels elevated and indulgent, making it ideal for both everyday treats and special occasions.
Serving Suggestions
These brownies are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways to suit the occasion:
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Party platters: Cut them into smaller, bite-sized squares for easy grab-and-go treats at events or holiday gatherings.
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Warm à la mode: Slightly warm a brownie square and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that rivals anything from a restaurant.
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Stacked towers: For dramatic presentation, stack two or three squares with a drizzle of chocolate syrup between layers.
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Pair with coffee or milk: Their richness pairs beautifully with a hot cup of black coffee or a cold glass of milk.
These brownies are showstoppers whether served as-is or as part of a more elaborate dessert board.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Thanks to their rich composition and firm structure, these brownies store remarkably well. After cutting them into squares, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap individual squares in wax paper and freeze them. They’ll keep well for up to three months in the freezer, and you can defrost a piece whenever the craving hits.
To serve from frozen, simply leave the brownies out at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or microwave for 15–20 seconds for that warm, gooey freshness.
These make-ahead qualities make them ideal for batch baking, meal prepping, or holiday cooking when you want a head start without compromising on taste or texture.
Dietary Considerations and Substitutions
Though undeniably indulgent, this recipe can be adapted to suit certain dietary needs:
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Gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour. Make sure to also use gluten-free marshmallows and cocoa powder.
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Dairy-free: Use plant-based butter, dairy-free milk (like almond or oat milk), and check that your marshmallows are vegan-friendly.
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Nut-free: You can substitute sunflower seed butter or cookie butter for peanut butter if you’re cooking for those with peanut allergies, though it will slightly change the flavor profile.
While these substitutions may alter the taste and texture slightly, the essence of the recipe remains—a layered, comforting dessert that’s rich and satisfying.
Fun Variations to Explore
If you’re feeling adventurous or want to tailor the brownies to a specific theme or season, here are a few ideas:
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Holiday twist: Add a layer of crushed peppermint candies over the frosting for a minty winter treat.
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S’mores brownies: Swap the peanut butter layer with crushed graham crackers mixed with butter for a classic s’mores effect.
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Nutty indulgence: Mix chopped toasted pecans or walnuts into the brownie batter for added crunch and nutty depth.
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Swirl it: Instead of layering, gently swirl the peanut butter into the top of the brownie batter before baking for a marbled look.
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Extra chocolate: Fold in chocolate chips into the batter or sprinkle them over the top before chilling for even more decadence.
These variations make it easy to adapt the base recipe to suit different moods, events, or flavor cravings without much extra effort.
Perfect for Every Occasion
There’s a reason these brownies are requested time and again at potlucks and parties. Their layered appearance and dynamic flavors make them feel festive and fun, while the familiar ingredients and comforting texture make them universally appealing. They’re especially perfect for:
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Birthday parties
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Bake sales
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Holiday cookie exchanges
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Office celebrations
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After-school snacks
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Cozy weekend baking projects
Whether served as part of a large dessert spread or enjoyed solo with a cup of coffee, these brownies make every moment feel a little more special.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
In a world full of brownie variations, the Layered Chocolate Marshmallow Peanut Butter Brownies stand out for their crowd-pleasing balance of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. They are the kind of dessert that brings people together—because who can resist chocolate, peanut butter, and marshmallow in one bite?
From their humble homemade origins to their place on your next dessert table, these brownies are more than just a treat—they’re a delicious memory waiting to be made. Whether you stick with the classic or experiment with your own twist, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again.
Bake it once, and you’ll understand: these brownies don’t just feed your sweet tooth—they win hearts.